The above-mentioned National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) wish to
make a proposed substantive amendment to paragraph 2 of the 'Revised Draft
Decision' of 25 June 2003 developed by the Ad Hoc Committee on a
Comprehensive and Integrated International Convention on Protection and
Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities.

Together with NGOs, NHRIs were specifically invited to participate in
the Ad Hoc Committee's deliberations. NHRIs can offer expertise in human
rights protection. Operating under the Paris Principles, they have
complete independence from government. Furthermore, NHRIs have a specific
commitment to the issue of disability in the context of human rights.

NHRIs believe that it would weaken the composition of the proposed
Inter-sessional Working Group if NHRIs were not represented on it.

It is important to stress that NHRIs are not proposing to subtract from
NGO representation on the Working Group in any way. The role of NGOs is
vital. What we are proposing is that NHRIs also be represented on
the Working Group. Otherwise NHRIs will be the only participants present
at the Ad Hoc Committee Meeting not to be represented on the Working
Group.

NHRIs believe that it would be a mistake to forget us in view of the
commitment of NHRIs to the protection of human rights throughout the
world.